Knicks News: Carmelo Anthony Skips Triangle Offense Seminar
By William Lee
Phil Jackson hosted a triangle offense seminar this week, and New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony did not attend.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, New York Knicks President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson planned to personally lead a couple of practices on running the triangle offense this week.
Most of the members of the roster attended the triangle offense seminar, but unfortunately, superstar Carmelo Anthony was not one of them… as per Marc Berman of the New York Post.
"According to a basketball source, Anthony was not one of the 10 Knicks who were part of Phil Jackson’s triangle workshop held Tuesday and Wednesday in Tarrytown.Attendees were rookies Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant, second-year men Cleanthony Early and Langston Galloway and rehabbing newcomer point guard Tony Wroten, who didn’t play in a game or participate in a practice.But also joining were veterans Sasha Vujacic, Jose Calderon, free-agent-to-be Kevin Seraphin, Robin Lopez and Kyle O’Quinn."
Although, according to Berman’s source missing out on the triangle offense seminar was not that big of a deal.
"That’s not deemed a huge snub, considering the film and oncourt demonstration sessions were a season review of the same concepts that have already been taught and nothing new, according to a basketball source.The workshop was geared mostly for the young players,"
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With Anthony missing the triangle offense seminar, it might be a signal of no confidence in Jackson to Knicks owner James Dolan. Especially considering the fact that Anthony wanted to have input in New York’s off-season moves, mainly Tom Thibodeau as his preferred coaching hire. But it was reported that Jackson didn’t even bother to interview Thibodeau… as he agreed to terms with the the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming their Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations.
Whether there is internal strife between the organizations best player and top decision maker is unclear. One thing is clear however, With Jackson leading a seminar on the triangle offense, it is a clear sign that he is reaffirming his commitment to the offense that has won him 11 Championships as a head coach.
It was reported that Jackson would only hire someone he personally knows, and that the coaching search is down to two candidates. Those two candidates being current interim head coach Kurt Rambis, and former-Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Blatt is adaptable and is willing to run the triangle offense.
"“He’d be absolutely willing to run the triangle,’’ the NBA personnel director said. “There’s not great similarities between the two, but it is in the fundamental notion of ball movement, taking what the defense gives you.”"
Another factor that might play into Blatt’s favor is the fact that, he is very close with New York’s General Manager Steve Mills. The two were teammates in Princeton back in the late 1970s.
Next: Phil Jackson Needs To Hire David Blatt
So for fans hoping the Knicks to be more adaptable, running a more modern pick-and-roll, pace-and-space offense, it looks like that will not be the case… Unless something drastic happens, it looks like the Knicks will be running more triangle offense next season.